Woman Shot While Riding CTA Bus in Bronzeville

Tamara Powell speaks out after being injured in a shooting on a crowded bus on Chicago's South Side.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:53am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent bullet casing on the floor of a CTA bus, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a shooting on public transportation.A spent bullet casing on the floor of a CTA bus serves as a stark reminder of the gun violence that plagues Chicago's public transit system.Chicago Today

Tamara Powell, a 37-year-old mother, was shot while riding a CTA bus in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago on Friday afternoon. Powell was on her way home from work when someone opened fire on the bus, injuring her in the leg. She was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center for treatment.

Why it matters

The shooting on the CTA bus comes as the transit agency is working to address safety concerns and secure funding. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence in Chicago and the need for improved safety measures on public transportation.

The details

According to Powell, she was on a CTA bus route she rarely takes when she heard several gunshots coming from outside the bus. She tried to duck for cover but was struck in the leg by a bullet. Home surveillance video captured the Friday afternoon gunfire when someone began shooting at the crowded bus, causing people to scatter. Powell, who works as a security guard for a company contracted with the CTA, is calling for more safety reforms to protect passengers.

  • The shooting occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2026.
  • Powell underwent surgery early Saturday morning.

The players

Tamara Powell

A 37-year-old woman who was shot while riding a CTA bus in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago.

Chicago Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the shooting incident on the CTA bus.

CTA

The Chicago Transit Authority, which operates the city's public transportation system and is working to address safety concerns.

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What they’re saying

“It makes you think, and... definitely, like I said, it could've been worse.”

— Tamara Powell

“They tell me to get down on the floor. I realize I've been hit, and I see the blood start coming down my leg.”

— Tamara Powell

“Needs to be more done, because currently it's not enough.”

— Tamara Powell, Security Guard

What’s next

Chicago police continue to investigate the shooting and search for the perpetrator. Powell is expected to be released from the hospital in the next few days.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence in Chicago and the need for improved safety measures on public transportation. As the CTA works to address safety concerns and secure funding, the community is calling for more to be done to protect passengers.